LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN

Subject

1.0 History

2.0 The District

3.0 Philosophy For Future Development And Use of Grounds

4.0 Standards

5.0 Plant Recommendations


1.0 - HISTORY

The first permanent college location, known as the Eureka Campus, was originally developed from farm land on what is now 265 acres, where most all level land was without trees. During most of the 25 years of occupancy at the site, there has been continuous development of roads and paths, utility systems, lakes where formerly there were none, and relocation of original stream beds. More than thirty buildings have been constructed, along with sewage treatment facilities, a community stadium, many commemorative monuments and groves of trees have been placed, and some historical artifacts have been included as the site was developed.

As part of the development of the site, a landscape master plan was developed and has been followed. This plan is being revised to more closely support education and public use needs which have changed since the original plan was developed.

Many times there has been national recognition for the beauty and tranquility of our Eureka Campus. One of our primary desires is to once again obtain that type of recognition while satisfying the many uses and needs of the people of the North Coast.

At its conception in the 1960's the Eureka Campus property was open pasture with very few natural growing trees. The setting was mostly rolling hills covered by wild varieties of grass. As the campus was developed the gardening staff consisted of six gardeners, one head gardener, and up to thirty student helpers. Eighty per cent of the original landscaping on the Eureka Campus was done by this group of gardeners and students under the direction of the Head Gardener.

Most of the plants used at that time were for ornamental purposes, and many were of the hybrid varieties needing regularly scheduled maintenance for them to maintain a healthy condition. At the same time many native plants from the local area were used in conjunction with the ornamentals. Over the years the campus was maintained effectively, winning several Gardening Club of America awards for its aesthetics.

During the 1970's public financing in California was changed drastically through Proposition 13. This limited the amount of money available for maintenance and operations of educational districts. To maintain the college educational programs, budget reductions were made in maintenance and support areas. This caused reductions in the gardening staff and in materials. Since that time the gardening staff has consisted mainly of two gardeners and approximately twenty hours of student help per week. Due to the lack of man-power and budget, the grounds at the Eureka Campus could not be properly maintained. Consequently, plants were not maintained on a regular schedule, the plants grew out of control, and the original schedules were lost.

2.0 - THE DISTRICT

The Redwoods Community College District in Northern California serves an area of over eight-thousand square miles with all of its major locations within a few miles of the Pacific Ocean. There are several branch locations and three campus locations: Eureka, Crescent City, and Ft. Bragg. Because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean the climate is cool to moderate with most areas receiving an average of forty inches of rain per year and coastal fog during the summer months.

EUREKA CAMPUS - Following the opening of the first classes held at Eureka High School, the first construction on the Eureka campus began in 1967. It has approximately thirty to thirty-three acres of turf/lawn and an additional ten acres of multi-use landscaped area. Due to the proximity of the redwood forests, the District name was chosen. All three varieties of redwoods, the Sequoia, the Coastal, and the Dawn, plus a large selection of native plants grow abundantly at this facility. In addition to the native plant material, many varieties of hybrid landscape trees and shrubs are also grown.

DEL NORTE - The Del Norte campus at Crescent City was the next major campus development and construction of the District. Following active deliberations by the community, the present site on Washington Boulevard was chosen and the first construction took place in 1983. The campus is located close to the heart of the Redwoods National Forest and California Parks.

MENDOCINO COAST - The major educational building on the Mendocino Coast campus at Fort Bragg was constructed in 1987 with a Voc-Tech building constructed in 1989. The Mendocino campus has a beautiful view and is within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean. Unlike the other main campus sites, Mendocino Coast is a coastal prairie, rather than a woodland, and may accommodate a different variety of native plants.

3.0 - PHILOSOPHY FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF GROUNDS

ATTRACTIVE TO STUDENTS - All locations of the District shall be maintained as rich and lush coastal woodland or coastal prairie environments complementing their geographical locations and the local communities they serve. In recognition of the physical appearance being a significant factor used by prospective students when they choose a college, our grounds are intended to be inviting to students the first time they see our facilities and while they are attending as students.

ART ON CAMPUS - As educational institutions, the campuses of the District should strive to enhance the aesthetic experience of students by the inclusion of objects of art in their campus landscapes. Sculpture gardens, murals, exhibit areas, and other spaces that stimulate the visual senses should be considered.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND USE - Each community shall be given an opportunity to be involved in the landscape plans and operations of its campus. A Landscape Committee composed of interested persons from the local college staff and the local community may be established to make recommendations and assist in the development of the local college campuses. The size of the committee(s) should be small enough to be workable. The recommendations must be in keeping with this basic philosophy.

SCOPE OF COMMITTEE ACTIVITY - All projects other than routine maintenance may be reviewed by the Landscape Committee, based on decision and/or recommendation of the local administration.

PLANNING SCOPE FOR PROJECTS - Any construction should consider the value and preservation of the existing plant material. The cost of moving that material should be included and a provision of time provided in the construction schedule. Construction projects, whether for repair, remodeling, or for a new facility, shall include a consideration for landscaping in the project budget.

Recognition for animals sharing the campus site shall be included in project planning and provision for the preservation of their habitat shall be made.

In keeping with this philosophy, the following concerns shall be addressed in order to ensure that there is architectural continuity of the concept originally established, while producing a positive recognizable image of the College of the Redwoods. Every effort shall be made to obtain a balance between these various aspects.

1. Safety of students, staff, and facilities

2. Cleanliness of facilities and grounds

3. Enhancement of instruction by developing and maintaining:

natural areas
plant collections
manicured areas for their aesthetics
activity areas
areas that stimulate the visual aesthetic senses,
such as sculpture gardens, murals, and exhibit spaces

4. Maintain schedules and standards for the level of maintenance for:

a. mowing
b. trimming
c. edging
d. weed abatement
e. drainage control
f. transplanting
g. spot color plantings
h. lighting
i. irrigation

5. Staff members needed to perform proper maintenance functions

6. Provide proper social atmosphere and recreational areas for students and staff

7. Continue natural habitat for wildlife

DESIGN FOR CHANGE AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

1. Design - If the funds become available through the budget process, the grounds master plan of the District campuses shall be done by a certified professional in the areas of landscape design or architecture. The landscape firm shall be chosen on its merit and abilities by the local Landscape Committee. All regular, minimum levels of maintenance shall be approved by the Director of Facilities and Grounds and become the responsibility of the local administration to carry out, subject to the availability of funds.

2. Annual Goals - Annual goals shall be developed by either the gardening staff or the Landscape Committee. All goals shall also be reviewed by the Landscape Committee. Goals shall be considered for their consistency with the landscape philosophy and the master plan. The landscape goals shall be completed in time for any cost items to be included in the college budget.

3. Grounds maintenance staff - Subject to availability of funds, the Redwoods College District shall need to maintain an active labor force consisting of four qualified grounds persons and one Head Gardener at the Eureka Campus and one-half time person at both Del Norte and Mendocino Coast. The Head Gardener would need to have all education and experience needed to maintain a district of this size. This position would also work with the Centers' Building and Grounds Workers in developing, consulting, and as a resource person. This person would report to the Director of Facilities and Grounds.

4. Certificates, Licenses, Sub-contractors - All work which requires control by persons with special certificates, licenses, or special skills shall be contracted by the Maintenance Division unless one of the active labor force holds these qualifications.

5. Maintenance objectives - Support of our philosophy statement shall come from objectives dealing with grounds. The Redwoods Community College District's objectives are:

a. Adequate Watering

1. Plants - In order to attain the goal of reducing water consumption but yet keep an attractive campus, more ground cover shall be planted to replace lawn areas. Ground cover is very drought tolerant and lends itself to a very pleasing look.

2. Irrigation - Sprinkler systems design is another area in which to reduce water consumption. Automated control systems and scheduled watering shall be instituted.

b. Weed abatement - Use of weed killers shall be minimized. Lawns shall be kept free enough of weeds that the turf will be able to grow attractively and be free of excessive competition.

Paved parking lots and walkways shall be kept free of destructive weeds growing through them or into their seams. Edging shall be done often enough to maintain clean lines and to keep destructive weeds from penetrating the edges of paved areas.

Barrier cloth and mulch shall be placed under trees and shrubs to suppress weeds.

c. Lighting - Sufficient lighting shall be provided on the campus to create a safe nighttime environment. This will also accentuate our buildings and grounds. As much as possible lighting of the landscape will enhance the instructional program.

d. Objects of art on campuses should be of materials and design that are appropriate to the use and climatic conditions of their locations and should have instructions for their proper maintenance developed before their initial placements.

e. General groundskeeping - General groundskeeping shall consist of maintaining existing grounds in the professional manner set forth in the guidelines of the landscape standards. Any change in the existing landscape design will need to be reviewed by the Director of Facilities and Grounds. Projects other than routine maintenance shall be brought before the Landscape Committee for review.

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - In 1974, a wildlife sanctuary was established in an area north of the Eureka Campus Cafeteria, including the lakes and surrounding areas. This was a voluntary, in-college effort and program which has continued through today. Primarily, this is used in support of the instructional programs of the Eureka Campus. Consideration of this area shall be given in developing plans and standards.

4.0 - STANDARDS

In order to satisfy the requirements attendant to the philosophy for the landscape grounds at the District campuses, as well as maintaining a neat, aesthetically-appealing appearance, the following standards and schedules need to be met, if funds can be provided:

Lawns - The majority of lawn material used on these campuses is fescue, blue, and bent grass.

1. Scheduled mowing and edging -

In winter the lawns shall be mowed once every two to three weeks as weather permits due to heavy rainfall.

Spring through early fall lawns shall be mowed once to twice a week depending on weather.

Lawns shall be mowed at a height of 2" to 3" depending upon the frequency of mowing and weather conditions.

Edging shall be done at the time of mowing where edging strips are available.

2. Scheduled aeration of lawns once a year - a light layer of sand shall be applied.

3. Scheduled fertilization once a year using a high nitrogen, slow release fertilizer of 32-3-8.

4. Scheduled weed control - Application shall be made with guidelines consistent with environmental health standards. Periodic review of the use of herbicides shall be addressed by the Landscape Committee. Post and pre-emergent herbicides shall be broadcast in liquid spray, granules or dry powder form. There shall be two applications per year in the spring and fall, using broadleaf weed killer. Walkways and edgings shall be sprayed three times a year using a sterilant. Two spring applications four to six weeks apart shall be applied. There shall be a single fall application. Any weeds that are not affected by spray or grow after application shall be removed by a hand-weeding method.

Ground Covers - Ground cover shall be weeded twice per year in the spring and fall by hand weeding methods in order to eliminate weed competition. No herbicides shall be used to spot-spray ground covers.

Edging of ground covers shall be done once per year, mid-summer, to prevent the plants from growing onto paved areas. The edging shall be done on an angle inward and upward to prevent an abrupt edge.

Mulches and paving - Mulches and paving shall be kept clear of weeds and escape plants. When possible, hand pulling shall be used to remove the entire plant. Where there are a large number of weeds, a sterilant shall be used. Where trees and shrubs are surrounded by mulch, no spray shall be applied within 3 feet of their base and no over-spray shall be allowed to contact them.

Paved areas shall be spot-sprayed to kill established weeds.

Plant material - This section covers shrubs and trees. Plant material shall be inspected at least every two weeks but no less than once a month for infestations of disease and parasites, soggy soils, physical damage, etc. The proper action in each of these cases shall be taken at that time by either spraying, trimming, hedging, transplanting and/or replacement of affected materials. Importance shall be given to varieties that produce fruit, flowers, or seeds that shall attract wildlife.

1. Shrubs: These are used singularly and in groups. They shall be trimmed to keep a natural structure. Single branches which grow longer than others on the same shrub shall be shortened to maintain proper proportion. Where visibility is important shrubs shall be trimmed low to be seen over or tall to be seen under. Where shrubs provide screening they shall be trimmed back to increase their density.

2. Trees: Trees shall be trained while they are young to develop strong structures. Large trees shall be trained upward to expose their trunks and allow visibility and access. Small trees and specimen trees shall be allowed to have branches to the ground if it enhances their appearance. Wind breaks at the perimeter and in non-traffic areas shall be kept low to prevent wind acceleration.

Approval for removal and/or trimming of large trees and shrubs shall be obtained from the Director of Facilities and Grounds and reviewed by the Landscape Committee. When large trees are removed, they shall be removed in a manner that prevents destruction of adjacent plants and structures. Pruning of large trees shall be done by a contractor.

Safe atmosphere for students, staff, and visitors - The following standards shall be exercised to provide safe surroundings for people as well as maintaining the aesthetics of the College:

1. Keep only low-growing plants close to walkways, buildings or heavy traffic areas. Purpose -- to create an open line of sight for those people traversing the walkways as well as giving a more open feeling to the campus area.

2. Medium to large shrubbery shall be shaped and/or transplanted to create an open line of sight and provide depth to the landscape. Overgrown plants shall be trimmed on a rotating schedule to promote better health and create shape. This shall be accomplished on a four-year schedule, trimming back one-fourth of all large plants each year, with methods that prevent a scalped landscape look.

3. Lighting to ensure visibility along walks shall be provided .

Protection of buildings from damage by landscape materials - Plants growing too close to buildings, paving, decks, and other campus structures shall be thinned, transplanted, or removed. Problem plants shall be replaced with ground covers and smaller plants. Growing plants shall be trained with protection of the structures in mind.

5.0 - PLANT RECOMMENDATIONS

Ground Cover - Lawns are attractive areas for people to look at and walk on but require high maintenance both in man-power and budget. Ground cover also provides natural weed control in these areas and is more drought tolerant than lawns.

Ground cover shall replace lawn areas that are not high traffic and areas under trees and around shrubbery. The types listed below can be edged as lawns but on a more infrequent schedule.

Types of ground cover: plants, mulch, rock, blacktop, concrete. These alternative-type ground covers can be and should be considered for use where their specific function can best be utilized. For example, rather than lawn for a pathway, gravel, concrete, or blacktop can be used depending on the amount of traffic and how it fits the surrounding landscape. Living ground covers can be best utilized as lawn substitutes in areas of little traffic (steep banks, under trees and low-growing shrubs).

Certain varieties add a splash of color into a green environment. Types of plants that can be used in and around redwood groves, rhododendrons, and pieris plantings are:

Oxalis Oregana (Redwood Sorrel), Baby-Tears, Fragaria (Wild Strawberry), Cotoneaster many types, Ajuga, and Ferns.

Ground cover used in open areas, hillsides or as large lawn substitutes are:

Small Leaf Ivies (both plain and variegated), Vinca Minor (Periwinkle), Rosmarinus officinalis 'prostratus' (Trailing Rosemary), Cotoneaster dammeri, Prostrate Ceanothus, Gazania, Arctothica (African Daisy), Arctotheca calendula (Cape Weed), Bergenia, Coronilla varia (Crown Vetch), Lonicera japonica (Honeysuckle), Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo), Hypericum calycinum (Aaron's Beard), and Agapanthus.

These varieties of ground cover grow very well in this area. One group of ground cover not included in this plan would be the Junipers due to its susceptibility to root rot.

Small to Medium Plants (2' to 5' in height) - These can be used singularly or in groups as mounding-type ground cover throughout the campus or in combination with other low-growing ground cover, larger shrubs, and trees. These also need to be trimmed to keep a lower-growing structure.

This plant material shall be chosen on its merit for color, texture, ability to stand wet weather, and its hardiness against infestations. Some examples are:

Agapanthus (Lily-of-the-Nile), Azaleas, Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo), Contoneaster several types, Ceanothus (Wild Lilac), Aucuba, Escallonia several types, Fuchsia, Hydrangea macrophylla, Ligustrum (Privit), Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape), Pieris japonica, Pinus mugo (Dwarf Pine), Pittosporum tobira, Pittosporum tenuifolium, Rhododendron (many varieties), Podocarpus, Grevillea (many varieties), Hebe buxifolia, Hebe Patty's Purple, Camellia japonica, Vaccinium ovatum (Huckleberry), Callistemon citrinus (Bottlebrush), Calluna vulgaris (Heather), and Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange).

These are just a sample of types that will grow in this area and are now used on the District campuses.

Medium to Large Plants (4' to 8' in height) - These plants would be used mainly as stand-alones or in large groupings in combination with lawns, ground covers, small shrubs, or trees.

Many uses for these type of shrubs would be to soften hard surfaces such as walls, retaining walls, cuts in hillsides, or as a type of visual block. Some types now used are:

Pieris japonica, Rhododendron, Prunus laurocerasus (English Laurel), Prunus lusitanica (Portugal Laurel), Photinia fraseri, Viburnum, Leptospermum laevigatum (Australian Tea Tree), Ilex aquifolium (English Holly), Ilex Burfordii (Burford Holly), Hydrangea macrophylla, Escallonia rubra, and Ceanothus (Wild Lilac). This is a sample of varieties which can grow or are growing at the campuses now.

Large Trees (6' to 150' in height) - Many of the trees on campus are already well on their way to their maximum height. Due to their size and their proximity to both buildings and pedestrian walkways, some of these trees need to be removed.

There are several varieties of pine trees on the Eureka Campus whose life span is only thirty to forty years. With the Eureka Campus in its 25th year, these trees are getting to the age where they require special care and planning for replacement to avoid losing their aesthetic value or becoming hazards to buildings and pedestrians.

Trees recommended for use on the campuses should be of the type that are salt resistant, resistant to infestation, but still provide shade, windbreak, visual screen as well as color, shape and texture. Some examples of trees are:

Sequoia gigentea (Giant Sequoia), Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood), Metasequoia (Dawn Redwood), Prunus thundercloud (Flowering Plum), Prunus serrulata (Flowering Cherry), Pine (many varieties), Cotoneaster frachetii, Ceanothus (Blue Buttons), Betula pendula (White Birch), Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Port Orford Cedar), Cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedar), Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar), Lithocarpus densiflorus (Tanbark Oak), Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple), Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum), Pittosporum tobira, Pittosporum eugenoides, Acacia baileyana, Acacia melanoxylon (Black Acacia), Milus (Crabapple), Picea sitchensis (Sitka Spruce), Magnolia, Crataegus (Hawthorn), Cryptomeria japonica, Alnus oregona (Red Alder), Salix (Willow), Eucalyptus nicholii, Abies grandis (Grand Fir), Abies concolor (White Fir), Podocarpus, and Pseudotsuga taxifolia (Douglas Fir). These are a sampling of the varieties that can and are growing at the College.

Maintenance would consist of regular inspections watching growth patterns, light regular trimming as needed. Professional tree companies shall be hired to do major pruning or removal.

12/27/90
Reveiwed by Board of Trustees - January 7, 1991 and April 1, 1991
LANDSCAPE GOALS 1990-91 -- EUREKA CAMPUS



I. Budget:
In order to attract students and to maintain the goodwill of the community, it is important that the budget for grounds maintenance be increased to pay for outside services, maintenance staff, and adequate supplies.


II. Gardening staff:
Based on availability of funding, the number of permanent gardeners should be increased to four persons plus one person be given the responsibility of being the Head Gardener. This needs to be accomplished in 1990.

III. Grounds master plan:
By the end of the 1990-91 academic year, there needs to be in place a grounds master plan on which there is general agreement.

This plan should include projects and schedules for redevelopment or special emphasis for the lakes on the Eureka Campus.

IV. Development of walkways and sidewalks on campus:
There are many areas that are traversed by individuals on campus. Some of the plant materials in those areas are overgrown and force people to walk in dangerous situations. Additional paths are needed in the following areas:

A. Introduce a hard surface pathway from the southeast corner of the Administration Building to the base of the stairs by the fountain in the main parking lot.

B. Provide a hard surface pathway in the Park to provide disabled access, in inclement weather, to those wishing to use the facility.

C. Provide a hard surface pathway between the stairs from the Physical Science Building across the dam to Creative Arts or restrict automobile access on the road.

V. Social and gathering areas:
With the addition of benches and landscape material, there are many areas that would make excellent outside study areas or gathering areas for students and staff. The following are some suggested locations.

A. South side of the Creative Arts Building.

B. East side of the Creative Arts Building overlooking the lake.

C. South side of the Life Science and Physical Science buildings.

D. South side of the Administration Building below the fountain and south of Data Processing.

E. Below road by lake, west of dam.

F. Building Entrances:

1. Physical Science building -- extend the sidewalk from Life Science to Physical Science. Remove part of the lawn to provide an area for seating.

2. Main entrance to Life Science Building -- pave surface for seating and landscape to provide color.

3. Front of the Physical Education Building -- two small lawn areas to be bermed and the lawns replaced with a lush ground cover and deciduous type trees to provide both foliage and branch contrast.

VI. Creation of edging strips to provide a manicured, neat, and clean appearance.

VII. Develop the areas around light standards with paving. Where appropriate, incorporate seating and plants.

VIII. Relocation of large and overgrown plants.

A. North end of the main parking lot below the Administration Building.

B. North side of the Library and Life Science.

C. Between the Library and Room 50.

D. Island between the Cafeteria and the Humanities building.

E. The raised planter area in front of Humanities Building Room 110 -- outside perimeter row to give six to eight feet flat area so bulbs can be planted.

F. Large pieris and bottle brush, etc. need to be moved away from most buildings and the areas replanted with camellias and smaller flowering plants to provide color.

LANDSCAPE GOALS DEL NORTE 1990-91

I. Install additional pathway lighting between the main building and the modular structures.

II. Complete the paving and striping of the staff parking lot off Small Avenue and incorporate an effective drainage system for additional runoff.

III. Prepare costs for development of an under ground irrigation system, and programmable control system. Develop phases of installation and initiate project with lawn and shrub irrigation adjacent to the main building.

IV. Develop area adjacent to the main building heating unit as a Maintenance / Tool / Storage / Receiving facility while converting the existing maintenance closet into a copy room.

V. Create a gathering/eating area between the modular buildings and the Voc Tech Building for student and staff use. Develop within this area a memorial to honor the contributions of the deceased staff.

12/27/90